Date:

Treasure hoard uncovered at ancient Paneas

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) have uncovered a hoard of gold coins at the ancient city of Paneas.

Paneas, later known as Banias, is located in the Golan Heights near a natural spring at the foot of Mount Hermon in present-day Israel.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the site was first established by Canaanites, who dedicated a shrine to the god Baal.

Paneas was first mentioned during the Hellenistic period in the context of the Battle of Panium, fought around 200–198 BC, when the name of the region was described by Pliny, calling it Panion, and the city as Paneas. Both names were derived from Pan, the god of the wild and companion of the nymphs in Greek mythology.

- Advertisement -
is12
Image Credit : IAA

Paneas reached its peak in the Early Roman period, when Herod the Great, and his son Philip II, rebuilt the city and named it Caesarea Philippi, in honour of the Roman Emperor Augustus.

In the 5th century AD, following the division of the Roman Empire, the city was part of the Eastern (later Byzantine) Empire, but was lost to the Arab conquest of the Levant in the 7th century AD.

Excavations by archaeologists from the IAA uncovered a hoard consisting of 44 solidus gold coins, a highly pure gold coin issued in the Late Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire, first introduced by Emperor Constantine (AD 306 – 337).

An examination has identified that some of the coins depict the Byzantine Emperor Phocas (AD 602–610) and Emperor Heraclius (AD 610–641), with the latter identification suggesting that the coins were deposited during the time of the Muslim Conquest of Byzantine Palestine in AD 635.

Eli Escusido, Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, said: “The coin hoard is an extremely significant archaeological find as it dates from an important transitional period in the history of the city of Paneas and the entire region of the Levant. The Israel Antiquities Authority, together with the National Parks Authority, will work together to exhibit the treasure to the public.”

IAA

Header Image Credit : IAA

 

- Advertisement -
Mark Milligan
Mark Milligan
Mark Milligan is an award winning journalist and the Managing Editor at HeritageDaily. His background is in archaeology and computer science, having written over 7,500 articles across several online publications. Mark is a member of the Association of British Science Writers (ABSW), the World Federation of Science Journalists, and in 2023 was the recipient of the British Citizen Award for Education and the BCA Medal of Honour.

Mobile Application

spot_img

Related Articles

Top 10 archaeological discoveries of 2023

The field of archaeology has been continuously evolving in 2023, making significant strides in uncovering new historical findings, preserving cultural heritage, and employing innovative technologies to study the past.

War in Ukraine sees destruction of cultural heritage not witnessed since WW2

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 has resulted in a significant loss of human lives and the national and international displacement of many Ukrainian people.

Archaeologists find five Bronze Age axes in the forests of Kociewie

According to an announcement by the Pomeranian Provincial Conservator of Monuments, archaeologists have discovered five Bronze Age axes in Starogard Forest District, located in Kociewie, Poland.

Origins of English Christmas traditions

Christmas embodies a tapestry of ritual traditions and customs shared by many countries and cultures. Some hearken back to ancient times, while others represent more recent innovations.

Mosaic depicting lions found at ancient Prusias ad Hypium

Archaeologists have uncovered a mosaic depicting lions during excavations at ancient Prusias ad Hypium, located in modern-day Konuralp, Turkey.

Survey finds 18 km Maya sacbé using LiDAR

An archaeological survey conducted by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), has identified an 18 km sacbé linking the Maya cities of Uxmal and Kabah in the Puuc region of western Yucatan, Mexico.

Clusters of ancient qanats discovered in Diyala

An archaeological survey has identified three clusters of ancient qanats in the Diyala Province of Iraq.

16,800-year-old Palaeolithic dwelling found in La Garma cave

Archaeologists have discovered a 16,800-year-old Palaeolithic dwelling in the La Garma cave complex, located in the municipality of Ribamontán al Monte in Spain’s Cantabria province.